Ride and Seek Bike Tours

Cycling between Bogota and Cartagena offers you the chance to see Colombia’s cultural and geographical diversity, from the bustling urban landscapes to tranquil countryside, and from the coffee plantations to the Caribbean coastline. Along the way, you’ll encounter warm and welcoming locals, taste traditional Colombian dishes, and gain insights into the country’s rich history and heritage.

Embark on our challenging Colombian cycling tour with plenty of climbing and the iconic Alto de Letras climb. However, beyond the hills, experience cultural immersion in Bogota & Medellin, colonial charm in Villa de Leyva, coffee delights in the Coffee Triangle, and coastal beauty in Cartagena. This well-rounded adventure combines diverse landscapes, history, and thrilling cycling experiences.

Our historical theme is centred around the life and legacy of Simon Bolivar, known as “El Libertador,” who played a key role in the liberation of Colombia from Spanish colonial rule. His legacy is deeply ingrained in Colombia’s history, culture, and identity, as he remains an enduring symbol of freedom and unity, shaping the nation’s values and aspirations.

Colombia boasts a rich cycling heritage and has become a safe and popular travel destination for cyclists. The country has produced numerous world-class cyclists – think Nairo Quintana, Egan Bernal, and Rigoberto Urán – and has a passionate cycling culture.

Highlights

• The Andes Mountains: Colombia’s stunning Andean region provides a plethora of challenging climbs and rewarding descents, offering some of the most scenic cycling routes in the world.
• Lake Guatavita Loop: A legendary site with ties to El Dorado and Colombian indigenous cultures.
• Climb to Alto de Letras: one of the longest climbs on Earth, spanning over 80 kilometers with an ascent of more than 3,600 meters. A true bucket-list challenge.
• Visit the Casa de Narino: the Presidential Palace, where Bolivar lived during his time as President
• Discover Medellin: A city with a captivating charm, from its lush landscapes to dynamic urban culture, warm people, exciting nightlife, and a remarkable transformation
• The Ciclovía: Medellín has embraced cycling culture hosts a weekly Ciclovía, where major roads are closed for cyclists and pedestrians.
• Local Hospitality: Colombian culture is famously warm and welcoming. Did we mention that cycling is also hugely popular too?
• Zona Cafetera: In search of the perfect coffee – Colombia’s coffee region and a UNESCO World Heritage site
• Explore Cartagena: It’s enchanting old town, vibrant streets, historic fortifications, beautiful beaches, and delightful Caribbean cuisine for an unforgettable adventure
• Santa Marta: Finish the tour on Colombia’s Caribbean coast and visit the Cathedral Basilica of Santa Marta where Simone Bolivar was interred when he died in 1830.

Norway has come out on top in the last three end-of-season surveys we have sent out as the country you wanted us to cycle in. This one has been bubbling away for a long time, and we have discussed a number of iterations of how a Norway tour would look. With a couple of the team having run tours in Norway already, we had a good base from which to design a tour, but it was a chance meeting with an ex-pro cyclist from France who now calls Norway home that we found a formula we were happy with.

That formula is a two-stage tour that starts above the Arctic Circle in the spectacular Lofoten Islands and then takes us from Trondheim to Bergen. The Norsemen provides the historical context for your Norwegian adventure.

Stage 1: Lofoten Islands As you embark on a cycle ride through the mythical landscapes of the Lofoten Islands, you are transported back in time to the days of the fearless Norsemen. The rugged coastal terrain and majestic mountains mirror the spirits of these seafaring warriors who once roamed these very shores. Early in your journey, we arrive in Svolvær, where the modern world meets ancient legends. Pedalling along the winding coastal roads, you pass charming fishing villages where weathered wooden boats rest in the embrace of tranquil fjords. The scent of the salty sea breeze invigorates your senses, evoking memories of Viking ships navigating the vast ocean.

Your ride takes you through dramatic landscapes, surrounded by towering cliffs and the distant call of seagulls. Each bend in the road reveals a new breathtaking vista, and you imagine the Norsemen gazing upon these same vistas with a mix of awe and reverence. In Henningsvær, a picturesque village seemingly floating on the water, you pause to admire its timeless beauty. The ancient fisherman huts, called rorbuer, still stand as a testament to the resilient spirits of those who once braved the tempestuous seas. As the midnight sun hovers on the horizon, you are captivated by the enchanting play of light and shadows. The ethereal glow of the sunlit peaks transports you to the realm of Norse mythology, where gods and giants once shaped the world.

Stage 2: Trondheim to Bergen Your cycle ride from Trondheim to Bergen takes you through a historic path that resonates with the echoes of the Norsemen’s footsteps. Leaving Trondheim, the city of ancient kings and vibrant history, you venture into the rugged landscapes of the Norwegian heartland. The road winds through rolling hills and dense forests, evoking images of Viking explorers navigating the vast wilderness in search of new lands and riches. As you pass through quaint villages, you can’t help but imagine the Norse communities that once thrived here, living off the land and the sea’s bounty.

The climb up Trollstigen, the Troll’s Path, challenges your mettle just as it did the warriors of old. As you conquer this winding mountain road, you feel a sense of triumph akin to the victorious Norsemen returning from their expeditions. Descending towards the Geirangerfjord, the breathtaking beauty of the UNESCO World Heritage site reminds you of the Norse legends that often involved these dramatic landscapes. The cascading waterfalls and towering cliffs seem like the backdrop of ancient sagas, where gods and heroes weaved tales of valour and heroism.

Continuing south, the Hardangerfjord greets you with its picturesque orchards and serene waters. The Norsemen were skilled navigators, and you appreciate their mastery of these treacherous fjords as you pedal along the water’s edge. In Voss, known for its adrenaline-pumping activities, you can’t help but feel a kinship with the adventurous spirit of the Norse warriors. The thrill of conquering nature’s challenges echoes the daring feats of those who embraced the call of the wild.

Finally, you arrive in Bergen, a city steeped in history and maritime heritage. The colourful houses of Bryggen Wharf are a reminder of the bustling trade and exploration that once defined this Hanseatic port. Both rides immerse you in the world of the Norsemen, allowing you to connect with their spirit of exploration, resilience, and appreciation for the awe-inspiring beauty of the Nordic landscapes.

Pedal across borders, reliving battles and culture, unveiling the enduring narrative of conquest and coexistence.

Embark on an immersive two-stage cycling odyssey from Cordoba to Fez, delving into the heart of the Reconquista’s legacy. Stage one begins in Cordoba, Spain, leading through iconic towns like Granada and Antequera, each echoing the Reconquista’s historic drama. Pedal through shifting landscapes, crossing the Strait of Gibraltar by ferry.

In stage two, explore Morocco’s enchanting terrain, tracing the Reconquista’s footsteps through Tangier. Journey onwards, reaching Fez, a city steeped in medieval history. This extraordinary expedition fuses cycling with cultural exploration, unveiling the intricate tapestry of the Reconquista across two nations, igniting the spirit of discovery.

Highlights Cardoba to Tarifa

• Cordoba: Explore the Mezquita-Catedral. A symbol of the religious transition from Islam to Christianity, as it was initially a mosque before being converted into a cathedral.
• Tapas Bars: Indulge in a tapas crawl, savouring traditional dishes like salmorejo, grilled octopus, and Iberian ham.
• Sierra Nevada: Enjoy challenging cycling through the Sierra Nevada mountain range, which acted as a natural boundary between Christian and Muslim territories during the Reconquista.
• Granada: Discover the Alhambra, a stunning palace and fortress complex built by the Nasrid dynasty, representing the Muslim rule in the region.
• Flamenco in Sacromonte: Experience flamenco in the historic Sacromonte caves, where the art form has deep roots.
• Ronda: Reflect on the strategic importance of Ronda as a fortified settlement during the Reconquista and marvel at its dramatic position atop cliffs, the blend of Moorish heritage, and stunning vistas.
• Culinary Delights: Sample Andalusian cuisine, including tapas, gazpacho, and local specialties.
• Scenic Routes: Experience the stunning countryside as you ride through olive groves, vineyards, and farmlands.
• White Villages (Pueblos Blancos): Explore charming white-washed villages like Ronda and Grazalema, each nestled in picturesque landscapes.
• Tarifa: Conclude your journey in Tarifa, where the Reconquista effectively ended with the capture of the city in 1292.

Highlights Tarifa to Fez

• Tangier: Start your cycling journey in Tangier, a city with a mix of Moroccan, European, and African influences.
• Riads: Stay in traditional riads, Moroccan-style guesthouses known for their intricately designed courtyards, mosaic tiles, and serene atmosphere.
• Chefchaouen: Enjoy a picturesque ride to Chefchaouen, Morocco’s “Blue Pearl”.
• Meknes: Visit Meknes, one of Morocco’s imperial cities, and explore its historic medina and grand city gates.
• Berber Whiskey: Sip on Moroccan mint tea, a fragrant blend of green tea, fresh mint, and sugar, commonly enjoyed throughout the day.
• Volubilis: Visit the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and explore the well-preserved mosaics, arches, and columns.
• Scenic Cycling: Pedal through rolling hills, olive groves, and picturesque valleys, taking in the beauty of Morocco’s natural scenery.
• Wellness & Relaxation: After a day of cycling, relax in hammams (traditional bathhouses) or enjoy wellness treatments to rejuvenate your body and mind.
• Diverse Cuisine: Savor tagines, couscous dishes, and Moroccan salads, enjoying the unique blend of sweet and savoury elements.
• Fez: Explore the sprawling medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and its iconic tanneries.

Split into 3 stages, each a week-long, the 3 Islands Tour is a journey through the history, food, architecture, and traditions of these Mediterranean jewels — two iconic Italian islands and one French island. The exceptional diversity of the islands is represented through the numerous civilisations and cultures that have left their mark, the amazing gastronomic variations, the strikingly rugged interior landscapes paired with stunning coastlines of white beaches and emerald waters, and locals with an incredibly strong sense of place. The Mediterranean charm is truly at the heart of this tour.

We ride from North to South beginning with Corsica, home of Napoleon. Its mountainous north contrasts beautifully with idyllic beaches and fishing villages. From here we head to Sardinia, a land of towering cliffs, beach coves, and unique history. Then, finally, to Sicily where rolling farmland, volcanoes, and stunning coastline is littered with classical sites in exceptional settings.

We will ride down the west coast of Corsica which is the more picturesque and less busy side. We will end the first week in the stunning village of Bonifacio. From here, we will sail across to Italy and Sardinia. Our cycling tour through Sardinia will take us along the west coast as it holds more Phoenician significance and it is also our preferred cycling route. Our destination is Cagliari from where we will catch the overnight ferry to Sicily and its atmospheric capital: Palermo. The cycling tour through Sicily will focus on the southern part of the island as we head towards Catania which marks the end of our ride.

Join us on a ride of historical proportions as we ride in the footsteps of Hannibal from Barcelona to Gavi. Cycling on some of Europe’s most iconic and picturesque bike touring routes through Spain, France, and Italy this epic journey takes on the most iconic leg of Hannibal’s journey. Divided into 2 stages the Hannibal tour takes in some of the finest cycling you could ever wish to find. Picture postcard views abound as we traverse some of the iconic climbs of the Grand Tours, roll through the vineyards of the Languedoc, Provence, and then over the Alps into Piedmont, Italy.

Experience total immersion in the landscape, history, and culture of the places we visit as we ride this inspirational iconic trail on the road less travelled. Discover from the saddle why Hannibal’s invasion of Rome in 218 BC was a major turning point in history. This was the clash of the ancient superpowers. If Hannibal had been victorious against Rome our world today would be completely different. The Western world wouldn’t have Rome at its origins, rather a Middle Eastern colony based in North Africa!

Extra loops are available for those wanting more daily riding and elevation.

Cycle through European History

This epic Central Europe bike trip includes 5 capitals and 5 distinct cultures connected through a historic period that changed the world. It begins in Berlin where the breaking down of the Wall heralded the collapse of the Soviet Union and the end of the Cold War. The route travels back and forth from east to west, crossing the Iron Curtain — the divide between communism and democratic capitalism, between the Soviet Union with its oppressive Red Army and the West and its allied states. The history on this tour is still palpable and unlike our other historic epic adventures, is still remembered by many of us. Take it on as a full Epic over 18 days or break it down into two parts – Berlin to Prague over 7 days or Prague to Budapest over 12 days.

Highlights

• Berlin Wall and its Checkpoint Charlie, which served as a symbol of the Iron Curtain as a whole.
• Connect 5 fascinating European capitals by bike, each with their own culture and unique cuisine.
• Cycle along the rivers and canals that thread their way through the forests that cover much of Eastern Germany.
• Follow the Oder-Neisse River along the Polish border to Görlitz, one of Germany’s most beautiful cities.
• Roll through the castle and fortress filled Czech Middle Mountains along the banks of the Elbe River.
• A rest day in Prague, a city that rivals Paris with its beauty and 1000-year history.
• The Renaissance town of Telč, a jewel of the Czech Republic and inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
• Sampling the world’s best beers, where almost every town has its own brewery; German wheat beers, Czech Pilsner, Austrian Lager and Hungarian ales.
• The now quiet and abandoned cold war fortifications and watchtowers that dot our route as we cross the former Iron Curtain.
• A rest day in beautiful Vienna recognised as a UNESCO world heritage site and often described as an open-air museum.
• Cycle along the Danube Bend region, one of its most scenic, where it enters steep hills, creating stunning meanders with quaint villages hugging its banks.
• Finish in Budapest, an architectural and historical treasure trove, majestically laid out along the Danube.

The Samurai Tour travels through three distinct parts of Japan and immerses us in its spectacular history, culture and landscape.

The Honshu Stage explores the enchanting Noto Peninsula and the Japanese Alps. The Shikoku Stage takes us across the smallest of Japan’s main islands to truly discover the road less travelled. The Mt Fuji Stage travels across Japan through the Alps, around Mt Fuji, to the shores of the Pacific.

Our routes follow ancient and meandering roads, which tend to be smooth, narrow and with very little traffic. The Honshu (the main island) stages offer a smorgasbord of culture and history, from castles and classic gardens to landscapes and towns left mostly unchanged for over 400 years. The Noto & Izu peninsulas evoke the ancient Samurai warriors of days gone by. The Japanese Alps, with its heavy winter snowfalls, prevented some villages from modernising are frozen in time. These living ancient villages are now UNESCO protected and allow us to see how life was lived for hundreds of years and the architecture that made life in such a challenging environment not only possible but highly productive and comfortable.

Kyoto, famous for its temples and garden, is where we spend our rest day between the Honshu and Shikoku Tour. On the Shikoku Island stage, we will cycle through the magnificent Iya Gorge and tackle Mt Ishizuchi, Western Japan’s highest peak at 1982m (6503ft). Enjoy thrilling descents, pass terraced rice paddies, traditional thatched-roof houses, and ancient villages clinging to the mountainsides.

The tour culminates with the spectacular Shimanami Kaido, a series of suspension bridges that connect small islands, offering stunning views of the inland sea and linking Shikoku back to Honshu.

Shikoku is also famous for its pilgrimage of the 88 temples associated with the Buddhist priest Kuka, known as Kobo-Daishi. Modern-day pilgrims, called ‘Henro’ by the locals, still tackle the 1200-kilometre route, many of them sporting traditional white clothing, sedge hats and kongō-zue walking sticks.

Throughout the tour, you’ll stay in a mix of Western-style hotels and traditional Japanese Inns, known as Ryokans. These mountain inns may be different from what you’re used to, with rice-straw mat floors and futon beds, but their charm and authenticity are unparalleled. Most of them also have natural hot spring baths, perfect for relaxing your muscles after a day of exhilarating cycling.

Highlights

• Explore the ancient Samurai roads and learn about this fascinating period in history.
• Indulge yourself in the natural hot springs offered by most of our accommodations.
• Discover the unique tastes of Japanese cuisine that are distinct and varied across the islands.
• Experience the delights of Japanese style inns that offer a very different hotel experience to what you might be used to.

Join us on this ride of historical proportions as we ride in the footsteps of Napoleon from Paris to Tallinn.

The Napoleon tour, divided into 3 stages is an Epic spanning the length of Europe to the Russian border following in the footsteps of Napoleon’s near 700,000 strong Grande Armée.

We will ride across the Champagne region of France into the picturesque castle clad green hills of southern Germany. Our route then takes us through UNESCO protected medieval villages in Poland to the North Sea. From here we strike east via the great lakes of Poland and up through the Baltics and finish at the Estonian border town of Narva, overlooking the river onto the 15th century Russian Ivangorod Castle.

Experience total immersion into the landscape, history and culture of the places we visit as we ride this inspirational trail on the road less travelled.

From the culinary capital of Lyon to the wine mecca of Bordeaux this tour meshes remarkable pre-historic sites with a gastronomic odyssey across southern France. This is our only single country Epic but is also defined by a remarkable diversity of cuisine, landscapes, and history along the route.

Our Cro Magnon bike trip through France takes us on a journey into prehistory as we join the dots between the cave art of Cro Magnon. Cro-Magnon refers to the population of early Homo sapiens dating from the Upper Paleolithic Period (c. 40,000 to c. 10,000 years ago) in Europe and provides the primary focus for this tour. We start at the Chauvet cave in the Ardeche region; its painting has been carbon-dated to 32,000 years ago. From here we head south along the Rhone River and through Provence and the Languedoc as we head to the ‘capital’ of prehistory – Les Eyzies-de-Tayac in the Dordogne. It was here that Édouard Lartet discovered the five archaeological layers in a shallow cave that demonstrated the evolutionary path of mankind. Rouffignac with it’s mammoth, Font de Gaume and Cap Blanc are just three of the amazing cave sites that we’ll visit here. If you would prefer a cycling tour with a broader focus, you may prefer to browse our range of European Cycling Tours or perhaps head further afield to our Cycling Tours in the US.

We then cycle westwards to perhaps the best-known cave site at Lascaux (images from which are shown below). Discovered by four teenagers in 1940, this site is considered by many to be the most impressive example of pre-historic cave art. The original cave is now closed to the public due to the damaging impact of carbon dioxide in human breath but the replica that is situated on the same site is a wonderful representation in its own right.

Further highlights of this cycling holiday in France include a meeting with Monsieur Begouen who owns the Grotte des 3 Frères and a visit to the Gargas cave that is otherwise known as the ‘Hands Cave’. Our trip specialist – Vincent Reboul – has spent years planning this tour and has a network of contacts at all of these cave sites that adds an extra immersive dimension to the tour experience.

Highlights

• Savour the culinary credentials of the exciting city of Lyon
• Cycle down the majestic Rhone Valley
• View the amazing figurative images of the Chauvet cave
• Canoe through the spectacular Gorges de l’Ardèche
• Cross the wild and enchanting Cevennes region
• Discover the gigantic spotted horses of the Pech Merle cave
• Explore Saint-Cirq-Lapopie – one of France’s ‘most beautiful villages’.
• Savour the amazing Wednesday market in Sarlat
• Visit the extraordinary replica of the Lascaux cave
• Stay in the enchanting town of Bergerac
• Sample the delights of the wonderful Monbazillac wine
• View the remarkable Gargas cave which is known as the ‘hands cave’
• Cycle the road less travelled through the Dordogne region
• Celebrate the end of our tour in St Emilion and Bordeaux

The Māori New Zealand Cycling Tour crosses the length of this spectacular southern land. The route takes in its highlights across both the North and the South Island. From the thermal wonderland of Rotorua rich with Māorii heritage to the Volcano country surrounding Tongariro National Park. From the wild West coast with its pristine nature to the stunning Southern Alps our first Epic Adventure foray into the southern hemisphere ticks all the boxes.

Having split from the super continent of Godwana some 65 million years ago New Zealand offers a distinctive bio-diversity that is comparable with the Galapagos Islands. A veritable geothermal wonderland the country boasts an array of varying landscapes – which in part explains why it provided the backdrop for much of the Lord the Rings film series. With a population of just 5 million and a comparable land mass to that of the United Kingdom this tour takes riders on the road less travelled and marks an extension of the RS program into the Southern Hemisphere. In keeping with the historical context the Maori culture provides an intriguing backdrop for our travels. The uniqueness of the flora and fauna of NZ, remarkable landscapes and a rich culture make this new tour a wonderful tenth edition the RS Epic tour roster.

Riders will be treated to incredible landscapes including thermal wonderlands, volcanoes, wild unspoiled coastlines and the stunning Alps of the Southern Island which will have you regularly grabbing for your camera. Finish each day at hand picked hotels and lodges with ample opportunity to sample New Zealand’s world class wine, fresh seafood and seasonal driven food.